Turkana

In the far north of Kenya, on the searingly hot, windy shores of Lake Turkana, live semi-nomadic pastoralists tribes: the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille and Pokot.

The start of our journey took us through beautiful, pristine landscapes with stunning umbrella acacia tree forests. We were up before dawn and off to the villages, to watch the sun rise and the day begin. The people would slowly come out of their huts, gathering their goats and camels, drinking their tea, backlit against the rising sun.

We brought gifts of food and threw goat roast parties, celebrating the end of many years of drought. Finally the land is green and there is food and water for the livestock, though it is often far away and must be carried, balanced on the women’s heads.

The people of the Turkana tribes wear a unique variety of dresses, hairstyles and jewelry. They sharedtheir songs, craftsmanship and knowledge with us. Each day I was photographing different people, new tribes and cultures. Each day presented new opportunities, and the continual rhythm of photographing people became easier.

There are few places remaining in Africa where you can witness traditional cultures, their complex issues, and their stark beauty. Though it is hard to find an area with no western influence today, the tribes in this area continue to practice their traditional pastoralist lifestyle and live virtually untouched by tourism.